Rescue_helo's Profile
Stat Summary
- Average Rating:3.2
- Helpful Votes:10,878
- Reviews Submitted:226
- First Review:December 8, 2011
- Most Recent Review:June 25, 2019
- Featured reviews0
Status:
Be a hero - go through the underground maze kingdom and wrest the princess from clutches of a wicked dragon.
Overall rating
3
/
5
1 of 1 found this review helpful
Repetitiveness is the pillar of boredom
PostedJune 8, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
On this rainy afternoon and some time to spare I turned to my favorite game provider (BFG.. of course) in search of something different than HOGs or "adventures".
And I found this.
It looks like a RPG, but it's a series of puzzles, in a kind of labyrinthine dungeon. Your little knight, who has only 3 lives, needs to outfox and kill skeletons (who want to kill him, naturally), get keys, coins, etc.. and above all healing potions (without which he is toast) and quickly reach the exit via the shortest path... to the next level.
And the next levels are similar to the previous levels, but with different layouts, more coins, more keys, various artifacts and obstacles.
As for what the little knight needs to do, well, that doesn't change much.
Cute as this game may be, however difficult subsequent levels become, no matter how much you love puzzles and disregarding that each level requires some thinking (before the timer starts) and a sound strategy, you cannot but rapidly start to feel boredom sinking in, all the more so that you often have to replay a level once or more because the wrong tactic has cost you all your lives or the exit has abruptly closed as you reached it,
I love puzzles, but I also love diversity. After one hour playing the demo, and in spite of the fair challenge it offers, I totally lost interest.
But that doesn't mean you will not like the game. If you don't mind repetitive actions, and have a weakness for puzzles, you certainly will.
Just try the demo to make sure.
By the way... there is a complete video walkthrough on the Internet in case you get really stuck. Simply google "Maze Lord".
And I found this.
It looks like a RPG, but it's a series of puzzles, in a kind of labyrinthine dungeon. Your little knight, who has only 3 lives, needs to outfox and kill skeletons (who want to kill him, naturally), get keys, coins, etc.. and above all healing potions (without which he is toast) and quickly reach the exit via the shortest path... to the next level.
And the next levels are similar to the previous levels, but with different layouts, more coins, more keys, various artifacts and obstacles.
As for what the little knight needs to do, well, that doesn't change much.
Cute as this game may be, however difficult subsequent levels become, no matter how much you love puzzles and disregarding that each level requires some thinking (before the timer starts) and a sound strategy, you cannot but rapidly start to feel boredom sinking in, all the more so that you often have to replay a level once or more because the wrong tactic has cost you all your lives or the exit has abruptly closed as you reached it,
I love puzzles, but I also love diversity. After one hour playing the demo, and in spite of the fair challenge it offers, I totally lost interest.
But that doesn't mean you will not like the game. If you don't mind repetitive actions, and have a weakness for puzzles, you certainly will.
Just try the demo to make sure.
By the way... there is a complete video walkthrough on the Internet in case you get really stuck. Simply google "Maze Lord".
I recommend this game!
Can you stop townspeople from turning into crystal in time?
Overall rating
3
/
5
26 of 30 found this review helpful
Just about average
PostedJune 7, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
The least one can say is that this game has caused some controversy among viewers with almost an equal amount of 1 star and 5 star ratings (cf: reviews of the CE).
That Call of Despair is neither that bad nor that excellent.
If you ignore the story which is kind of weird and not very coherent, if you don't mind tasks that have no originality and tend to be boring, you might find some interest in the minigames which are all pretty simple, even in hard mode, and therefore ideal for beginners.
I have no idea how the game evolves after the demo. What I saw during that hour of gameplay didn't exactly tickle my fancy.
One minigame, for instance is quite funny (and ridiculous): you have to fight the bad guy who, depending on your actions, will punch you several times. LOL.
Finding a matchbox and filling it with...matches is not what I call a challenge.
Being imposed a Match 3 as a minigame is, for me a big no-no. Match 3s have no place in this kind of game.
I will let you discover the rest, the HOs (which, fortunately, are not cluttered or frequent), the use of trinkets and items that often defies logic, and of course the traditional skulls that no dev team seems to be able to do without.
All in all, even though I am giving it 3 stars (because there is no other alternative), it's a 2.5 star game for me: 1 for the graphics (which are excellent), 1 for the making of (work always deserves some sort of reward), 0.5 for the puzzles.
I can only recommend this game to beginners, and of course, strongly encourage you to play the demo before making any decision.
That Call of Despair is neither that bad nor that excellent.
If you ignore the story which is kind of weird and not very coherent, if you don't mind tasks that have no originality and tend to be boring, you might find some interest in the minigames which are all pretty simple, even in hard mode, and therefore ideal for beginners.
I have no idea how the game evolves after the demo. What I saw during that hour of gameplay didn't exactly tickle my fancy.
One minigame, for instance is quite funny (and ridiculous): you have to fight the bad guy who, depending on your actions, will punch you several times. LOL.
Finding a matchbox and filling it with...matches is not what I call a challenge.
Being imposed a Match 3 as a minigame is, for me a big no-no. Match 3s have no place in this kind of game.
I will let you discover the rest, the HOs (which, fortunately, are not cluttered or frequent), the use of trinkets and items that often defies logic, and of course the traditional skulls that no dev team seems to be able to do without.
All in all, even though I am giving it 3 stars (because there is no other alternative), it's a 2.5 star game for me: 1 for the graphics (which are excellent), 1 for the making of (work always deserves some sort of reward), 0.5 for the puzzles.
I can only recommend this game to beginners, and of course, strongly encourage you to play the demo before making any decision.
I don't recommend this game.
Can you stop a deadly magic from destroying the land?
Overall rating
4
/
5
40 of 51 found this review helpful
An ordinary fantasy game with some interesting features
PostedJune 6, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
One good feature of this game is the amount of puzzles other than HOs. Whether you choose "easy" or "hard" they are not difficult, just requiring a bit of patience and the trial and error method.
Some even have a bit of logic to them.
Another nice feature is that you won't be overwhelmed with the usually stupid HOs full of junk. An effort has been made in this sense, although items that have no bearing on the story or the tasks have not been eliminated completely.
The rest is more or less what you find in all other games of this kind.
During the course of the demo which I completed in 1 hour on "hard", many of the items to be used to perform tasks were weird, their application illogical more often than not, with a few meant by the devs to be utilized in ways they were not primarily intended for.
But, at least in the demo, I didn't have to find 12 keys, fix a broken ladder, repair a bridge, etc... although there was a broken lighter and a broken metal toy bird (that you had to repair with...glue!) at some point.
The other features didn't impress me one bit.
- the story is lame (I skipped the cutscenes which, by the way, with today's computers' capabilities, could have been a lot better, not resembling what we were used to 20 years ago).
- the graphics are mainly purple, neon green and fairly messy
- the monsters are laughable, but the way to get rid of them via puzzles is not a bad idea.
And why do all devs persist in including skeletons and skulls nearly everywhere ? Duh !
In conclusion:
Not a bad game, but nothing extraordinary either.
And the rating ? Around 3.5 - 3.7 stars, and certainly not 5 stars which means "perfection". But as there is no in-between, I am awarding it 4 stars.
Do I recommend the game ? Yes, for those who relish in fantasy tales and love monsters.
Nothetheless I will not add it to my collection.
And as always.... do play the demo !
Some even have a bit of logic to them.
Another nice feature is that you won't be overwhelmed with the usually stupid HOs full of junk. An effort has been made in this sense, although items that have no bearing on the story or the tasks have not been eliminated completely.
The rest is more or less what you find in all other games of this kind.
During the course of the demo which I completed in 1 hour on "hard", many of the items to be used to perform tasks were weird, their application illogical more often than not, with a few meant by the devs to be utilized in ways they were not primarily intended for.
But, at least in the demo, I didn't have to find 12 keys, fix a broken ladder, repair a bridge, etc... although there was a broken lighter and a broken metal toy bird (that you had to repair with...glue!) at some point.
The other features didn't impress me one bit.
- the story is lame (I skipped the cutscenes which, by the way, with today's computers' capabilities, could have been a lot better, not resembling what we were used to 20 years ago).
- the graphics are mainly purple, neon green and fairly messy
- the monsters are laughable, but the way to get rid of them via puzzles is not a bad idea.
And why do all devs persist in including skeletons and skulls nearly everywhere ? Duh !
In conclusion:
Not a bad game, but nothing extraordinary either.
And the rating ? Around 3.5 - 3.7 stars, and certainly not 5 stars which means "perfection". But as there is no in-between, I am awarding it 4 stars.
Do I recommend the game ? Yes, for those who relish in fantasy tales and love monsters.
Nothetheless I will not add it to my collection.
And as always.... do play the demo !
I recommend this game!
Experience another glorious summer at Pinecreek Hills National Park with the latest in this acclaimed hidden object adventure series!
Overall rating
3
/
5
7 of 12 found this review helpful
For kids and HO fans only
PostedJune 5, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
3
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
And although I am not one of them, I found the game rather refreshing.
I believe it also has an educational value. A good way to get kids interested in wildlife, and maybe, develop in them a desire to embrace a careeer as Park Ranger.
That said, back to the game....
Nothing new there, compared to the previous 8 installments:
- click to find HOs and silhouetted animals
- then play a simple minigame
- click for more HOs
- play another simple minigame
....repeat....
Some players might find that very boring....
The music isn't bad though.
Well, as we always say: play the demo before you make a decision.
I believe it also has an educational value. A good way to get kids interested in wildlife, and maybe, develop in them a desire to embrace a careeer as Park Ranger.
That said, back to the game....
Nothing new there, compared to the previous 8 installments:
- click to find HOs and silhouetted animals
- then play a simple minigame
- click for more HOs
- play another simple minigame
....repeat....
Some players might find that very boring....
The music isn't bad though.
Well, as we always say: play the demo before you make a decision.
I don't recommend this game.
Unravel the secrets of Cliffmont Castle in this enchanted match-3 journey! Explore vast levels, collect precious treasures and build majestic castles.
Overall rating
3
/
5
23 of 31 found this review helpful
Where is the originality ?
PostedJune 5, 2019
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Adventure, Large File, Puzzle
Fun Factor
3
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
5
/
5
Level of Challenge
4
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
If you've played MatchVentures 1, you won't see much difference.
Same gameplay, same crows, same skulls, same fog, same obstacles, same ways to overcome them, same powerups, same, same, same....
Although the graphics are very nice and gameplay is smooth, that isn't enough to enthrall anyone in search of a bit of novelty.
The only new gimmick is the castles you can build !!
It's as if the devs, happy to have come up with a decent game the first time, thought that replicating it almost to the iota would make the second one a winner.
I'm giving it 3 stars, because we don't have 2,5 stars.
But don't take my word for it; play the demo, compare it with the first installment, and see for yourself.
Same gameplay, same crows, same skulls, same fog, same obstacles, same ways to overcome them, same powerups, same, same, same....
Although the graphics are very nice and gameplay is smooth, that isn't enough to enthrall anyone in search of a bit of novelty.
The only new gimmick is the castles you can build !!
It's as if the devs, happy to have come up with a decent game the first time, thought that replicating it almost to the iota would make the second one a winner.
I'm giving it 3 stars, because we don't have 2,5 stars.
But don't take my word for it; play the demo, compare it with the first installment, and see for yourself.
I don't recommend this game.
The people of Lightfalls are disappearing, and it’s up to you to save them!
Overall rating
2
/
5
12 of 13 found this review helpful
What a bore !
PostedNovember 21, 2015
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
3
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
Nothing very exciting to say about this game which could have been a lot better had some real imagination and novelty been put into it.
A plethora of common tools taken out of a DIY shop, always the same ones; tasks that are so commonplace and so not different from what you see in many other games that boredom quickly sets in; dull minigames and uninteresting HO Scenes. Plus a total lack of logic like the glove compartment of your car that can only be opened by a special button, button which is hidden three locales away in a shed ! Just one example.
Not to mention that you have to feed two cats and a pelican, and fix the cat's basket that has been concealed in a small box... of all places, before you can put the kitten in it !
Graphics are okay and neat on the whole, well, some of them: the fisherman's hut scenery is overloaded with pinks that are not too pleasant to look at.
I am not sure the story makes much sense but one thing is certain: the tasks you have to accomplish are light years away, bearing no relation with the goal you're supposed to reach.
As for the intro, cutscenes and voice overs, they're definitely way below the possibilities of modern computers and technology, with characters that look like rubber dummies, don't sound natural when they recite their lines, and an overall absence of fluidity in the movements.
A complete beginner or gamers who have played only a handful of games might like this Return to Another World, but as far as I am concerned I will let it return to oblivion.
I don't recommend this game.
Who is trying to destroy the Kingdom of Barsia?
Overall rating
1
/
5
45 of 56 found this review helpful
Weird, amateurish and utterly boring
PostedNovember 20, 2015
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
2
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
I forced myself to finish the demo and was quite happy when it was over. I found nothing in the first two chapters that would induce me to see the rest of the game. It's all smoke and mirrors, and other than that there isn't much to rave about.
The intro is amateurish although the voice acting isn't bad. Graphics are a mess overcrowded with unnecessary details and a profusion of colors that makes you think the artists had too many different unused paints and had to put them all in, in total disregard for harmony. The overall result only conceals the objects you are to find and makes them difficult to spot.
Also messy are the HO Scenes, especially the first one. And to crown it all they all are FROGs (fragmented objects). So you spend your time looking for bits and pieces that look like nothing, so as to assemble things that are just as weird and give you a hard time figuring out what the heck they're for. FROG freaks will love that, I hated it.
Then you spend most of Chapter 1 putting together a hunting horn! How enthralling is that, hey? And of course, as you progress, you pick up all sorts of trifles, the use of which is as obscure as the fragmented objects. That gives you a fair preview of what the subsequent chapters are probably like.
The only minigames I had to play were dumb, probably ideal for kids, but a total bore for an adult who expects some sort of challenge. The second minigame in particular....horrible! Maybe they become more thought-provoking later in the game, maybe?
As for the adventure itself... what adventure? Constantly picking up trinkets here and there without rhyme or reason is not my idea of adventure.
The story is not even engaging. You're a detective (again!) you encounter characters that are barely pleasant, save for the Princess who is good looking, and you are confronted with mechanical beasts that look like a bad Lego construction. Your objective is to save a kingdom. Extremely original!
I have never been a fan of the Dark Parables series, but the first ones were much better than this.
One thing is certain: this awful Goldilock will never be part of my collection. There are many better games in BFG's store-room.
I don't recommend this game.
Your wedding day goes dark... and your fiancée has no idea who's behind it all.
Overall rating
3
/
5
8 of 10 found this review helpful
A fair game for kids
PostedNovember 15, 2015
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
2
/
5
And especially for girls. As the title suggest it's a romantic story, a kind of fairy tale, but I haven't seen any fairies in the demo, only a deceitful magician that is set on preventing two lovers from getting married in order to push his evil agenda. Nothing original in all this, but the plot is not totally uninteresting even though it's quite simple with a predictable outcome that you guess before the end of the second chapter. Pretty cheesy on the whole, and I am not sure it improves a lot in subsequent chapters.
Nothing novel or exciting either in any of the actions you need to take as the game progresses. Just the usual rehashed tasks using the tools and trinkets that you find in virtually all the other casual games, even the less stupid ones: keys, tongs, scoop, shovel, bucket.... fix wheel on carriage, give bone to dog, dig hole, find potion, open box with emblem....
There is one gimmick that's not too common, although it has already been used in The Dark Hills of Cherai: you switch roles between the two main characters, first you play as Odette, then you play as her lover. That may seem strange but there is a reason for it, disclosed towards the end of the demo.
The HO Scenes are a bit convoluted but they're not difficult as most items are on the neat side and easy to find. Many are fragmented objects, others are interactive (use an item to find another). If you don't want to play these scenes, you can play Match 3. I wish the devs had found a less idiotic alternative, though.
The minigames are dead easy, and lack innovation, so much so that they are not very interesting. One of them in particular: pop bubbles containing skulls! Anything goes!
However, the graphics are really nice, very colorful and well crafted.
Like too many games, this Sonata has its fair share of absence of logic. It is also very linear, holds you by the hand more often than once, you won't have to think hard to figure out what to do or where to go next as backtracking is practically non-existent. Of course you have a map, hints (very generous in Custom mode) and the SG if you opt for the CE.
But given the simplistic nature of the game, the CE is probably not worth the extra money, unless you really want collectibles, a boudoir to decorate and the usual extras. Still, you might be tempted by the Bonus Chapter, although I have no idea what it is like or if it adds anything to the story. So the SE might be a better option.
Many adults and especially seasoned players will find the game rather lame, but if you really are a romantic at heart then do buy this game for a very relaxing evening, or better still offer it as a present to your children or grand-children as it is best suited for kids.
So, although this Sonata is definitely not for me, I will nonetheless recommend it, but mainly to your progeny, and that's the only reason why I (generously) gave it 3 stars.
In any case, do play the demo first.
I recommend this game!
A scream in the night... a brutal crime... a mysterious figure with eyes red as blood. Can you get to the heart of this shocking murder?
Overall rating
3
/
5
14 of 16 found this review helpful
Okay, but not exactly a thrilling experience
PostedNovember 14, 2015
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
2
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
2
/
5
Storyline
3
/
5
Other reviewers have already described what the story is about, so I I will simply sum it up in two words: murder investigation. Jack The Ripper style, with a bit of red stains here and there, and the same two main protagonists as in the other investigations of the series.
I found the demo very short. I completed it in 35 minutes. Not too good a sign. That means the game is very easy. Which in turns means that the challenge level is about below average.
Much of this time was spent performing tasks that bear no direct relation with a murder investigation. For instance preparing your bag prior to your trip to Gurtos is just another of these fill-ups without which a game would last 10 minutes. The rest, for the most part, is equally mundane and as old as the hills, like finding and using keys, etc.. well, you know the drill.
One feature involves using an analyzer (goggles) to examine dead bodies using different lenses. Not sure that would work in real life, but it was kinda fun anyway.
At one point you have to select dresses, shoes, earrings, etc... for a lady. I didn't quite get the purpose of doing something so irrelevant as that. Maybe I missed something ?
There isn't one of those dumb HO Scenes that are piles of junk unloaded from a garbage truck. Almost a miracle. You do have to find some hidden items, but the emphasis has been placed on the actions you are required to perform. However I wish those actions had been totally consistent with a truly realistic investigation.
And no morphing objects or collectibles either (as far as I could see). Another miracle!
The minigames/puzzles are very simple and hence very easy as the solution is either obvious or handed to you prior to playing them. Nothing new there either, they're a nice little pastime.
Graphics are fine, sound and voice acting okay, cutscenes not too intrusive, but none of these are exceptional, just adequate.
This game could have been really exciting, had ERS put into it a lot more suspense, more imagination and innovation. As is it is fairly bland and even though you do have a body and some ketchup, there is no more violence or gruesomeness than what you see on TV or in many movies.
I am not sure the CE is worth anything. You can replay the minigames, although I wonder why anyone would want to replay puzzles that are not puzzling. Other than that you get what you have in all CEs, wallpaper, etc... if you value that sort of thing. So, the SE might be a better buy if you don't, provided, of course, that you like what you see in the demo (which I strongly encourage you to play first as this is must-do nowadays).
I much preferred Rue Morgue and Black Cat in the same series, and I will recommend Tell Tale only to those of you who want a very simple game that doesn't require any intellectual effort.
I don't recommend this game.
A dark prophecy threatens to destroy the city of Munich!
Overall rating
2
/
5
15 of 16 found this review helpful
Same old ingredients, different package
PostedNovember 13, 2015
Rescue_helo
fromLondon (UK) - French Alps
Skill Level:Expert
Favorite Genre(s):Puzzle, Adventure, Large File, Strategy, Brain Teaser
Fun Factor
1
/
5
Visual/Sound Quality
4
/
5
Level of Challenge
1
/
5
Storyline
1
/
5
Playing this game is like being served the same soup a cook would be feeding us with over and over again in a slightly differently decorated plate each time. With no hot sauce!
Once again Elephant Games are giving us the very same old recipe they have used in all their other releases, and that other developing teams have also adopted.
A fantasy story that is highly dubious, rather mediocre and so unappealing that you couldn't care less about it or where it leads to.
And again...hidden keys and amulets that open boxes or bags containing more keys and amulets that open........
But a game wouldn't be a good game without the traditional lantern that you have to fix, or the shovel you need to dig a hole where.... an amulet (you guessed right) is buried, or a carriage handle that breaks when you touch it, right? How did the hero (you) knew that amulet was there in the first place will remain one of the numerous mysteries of the game. But this time you don't have to feed the odd cat, just give him a toy mouse (that you have to fix) so that he gets out of your way. Ever thought of just picking him up ?
But a game wouldn't be a good game without the traditional lantern that you have to fix, or the shovel you need to dig a hole where.... an amulet (you guessed right) is buried, or a carriage handle that breaks when you touch it, right? How did the hero (you) knew that amulet was there in the first place will remain one of the numerous mysteries of the game. But this time you don't have to feed the odd cat, just give him a toy mouse (that you have to fix) so that he gets out of your way. Ever thought of just picking him up ?
Naturally, you spend your time going from A to B to C to D back to A, etc... to retrieve and use the items you need, as they are scattered everywhere, preferably in the least likely places. Don't be afraid to break in houses, pry off the ruby on the ring that a sleeping man is wearing, and do a lot more things that are not only ridiculous but would send you to jail in real life. But it's fantasy, right ? So anything is permitted. And what do you expect when you have a chimera flying around ?
Much to the devs' credit, their interactive HO Scenes are neat, clear, not overcrowded, with all items easy to find. Yet die-hard HOG fans will probably find them much too simple. They add nothing to the development of the "adventure", anyway.
Even simpler are the minigames. So much so, that they offer zero challenge. It took me less than one minute to complete those I played in the demo, two minutes for the multi puzzle.
Although the sad simplicity of this Chimera might suit beginners, players who have never played this kind of game before, I cannot recommend it due to its lack of challenge, the absence of logic, because it's disjointed, because it offers nothing novel, nothing even slightly original, and in short because it is extremely boring, in spite of the graphics that are nice.
I don't recommend this game.